Vibrant and inviting blooms with a delightful aroma, bees find irresistible; Lavender, a must-have for your garden. Discover our top picks!
Unleash the charm of lavenders in your garden with these captivating plants that offer a spectacular display of colors, intoxicating scents, and a haven for pollinators. Even a single plant in full bloom can create an ambiance reminiscent of a sun-drenched, lazy summer in Provence or Tuscany, right in the heart of a damp British summer.
These beauties, with their eye-catching flowers/masses of vibrant color are bee magnets, especially on a sunny day! A perfect addition to your garden if you're seeking to attract pollinators. Plus, they're low-maintenance wonder!
Originating from Mediterranean climates and dry, sunny habitats across the globe, lavenders are tough and adaptable. From the Canary Islands to Africa, Asia, and India, they're hardy yet exotic.
Want to grow these fabulous shrubs? Here's a quick guide on how to do it right:
How to cultivate lavenders
Pruning Timing
- Prune in the spring to stimulate growth
- Prune in the autumn to retain shape
- Prune hardy lavenders in late summer after blooming
Pruning Technique
- Remove old flower stems and 2-3cm of the top growth to keep plants compact
- Despite common belief, prune Lavandula x intermedia with care, as it's less hardy
Planting Season
- Plant in the spring when the soil warms up
- If planting in autumn, do it while the soil is still warm in September
Suitable Soil
- Lavenders thrive in sunny and well-drained soil
- Ideally the soil will be neutral or slightly alkaline (pH 6.5-8)
- On heavy soil, improve drainage by adding plenty of well-rotted compost or horticultural grit
Container Growth
- Grow in containers if your soil tends to be soggy in winter
- Use large-holed pots with a peat-free or loam-based compost mixed with horticultural grit
Planting Depth and Fertilizer
- Plant to the same depth as it is in the pot
- Newly planted lavender needs watering regularly until it's growing well
Propagation
- Propagate plants from cuttings or seed (varies in success)
- Softwood cuttings in spring or 'heel' cuttings in summer give the best results
Want to know more about lavender? Check out our exclusive coverage on the best lavender varieties, how to dry lavender, and where to see and buy lavender plants!
Sources:
- https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/31409/Lavandula-angustifolia-Hidcote-lavender/details
- https://www.balconygardenweb.com/lavender.html
- https://www.rogersgardentime.com/articles/lavender-growing-tips
- https://dengarden.com/plants/lavender-growing-care-tips-9432761
Enjoy the lavish beauty of these flowers in your garden, as lavenders offer eye-catching colors and intoxicating scents, creating an ideal habitat for pollinators. To maintain these low-maintenance plants, consider pruning in the spring to stimulate growth, autumn to retain shape, and hardy lavenders in late summer after blooming. Ensure that your garden soil is sunny and well-drained, with a neutral or slightly alkaline pH for optimal growth. As an alternate option, grow lavenders in containers if your soil tends to be soggy in winter.
For those interested in learning more, explore our coverage on the top lavender varieties, methods of drying lavender, and places to find and buy lavender plants. Valuable resources include websites such as the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), Balcony Garden web, Rogers Garden Time, and Dengarden (1-4).
